Big League Dreams are coming true in Gilbert

Ed Farmer has some big dreams for Gilbert’s newest baseball complex set to open Saturday. “We want to showcase the property, so people can really realize how magnificent this thing is,” Farmer said of the opening celebration.

“Cities that have Big League Dreams become known as a sports mecca, to where teams are coming to the Valley simply to play at Big League Dreams in Gilbert.”

Big League Dreams builds baseball fields fashioned after classic locales such as Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.

Farmer, the park’s general manager, has worked for Big League Dreams Consulting since 1998, helping open the company’s first specialty park in Cathedral City, Calif. He had lived in Phoenix his entire life — helping to open sports parks in Tucson and Glendale — before Big League Dreams took him on the road to open three stadiums.

While area residents have been looking forward to the Gilbert park’s opening, town officials count on Farmer to make their dreams come true.

The town paid $40 million to build the park. Gilbert and Big League Dreams will share revenue beginning in the fourth year. That could range from $500,000 to $1 million annually.

But some town officials are looking to recoup cost increases — early estimates for building the facility amounted to $22 million. Talks are still under way between Town Manager George Pettit and Big League Dreams on changing the revenue-sharing agreement, partially to make up for the cost increases.

Farmer is opening the largest Big League Dreams stadium to date — Gilbert will be the first in the multistate chain to have eight stadium replicas.

The company was founded by a family that has lived some of its own baseball dreams. The Odekirk family includes one member, Rick Odekirk, who played in the minor leagues.

His brother, Jeff Odekirk, said they, with the help of their father, Ron Odekirk, wanted to let everyone feel what it’s like to play in a famous stadium, and live a childhood dream of many boys and girls.

“We’re a baseball-loving family,” Jeff Odekirk said. “And my brother and I both played high school and college baseball, my brother in the minor leagues. It’s something we’d talked about and dreamed about for a number of years.”

The grand opening will feature at least one major-leaguer and coach, retired Los Angeles Dodger Bill Russell, a friend of the owners.

There will be several youth and adult games during the opening, including one between police and fire officials umpired by town judges. The Gilbert Youth Soccer Association will also play at the park’s indoor soccer field, bouncy gyms will be available for kids, and the batting cages will be open for free. Adults interested in playing for a Big League Dreams league can attend “free agent” days during the next two Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at the stadium near Power and Elliot roads. Every free agent attending is promised a spot.

“The facility sells itself,” Farmer said. “That usually helps us market the property for company picnics, advertising, as well as leagues and tournaments.”

For information or to join a league, call (480) 813-1270 or visit www.bigleaguedreamsgilbert.com/factsheet.htm or www.bigleaguedreams.com.

To view photos of the eight stadiums or a virtual tour, visit www.bigleaguedreamsgilbert.com/facilities/replicafields.htm.

Play ball

What: Big League Dreams grand opening celebration

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Big League Dreams sports park, Elliot District Park, 4536 E. Elliot Road, near northwest corner of Power and Elliot roads